Field of the invention

The invention relates to a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity. In particular, the invention relates to air-humidification by evaporating water in the air.

Background of the invention

US2021003303 in it abstract states: ’’Embodiments of the disclosure provide humidifiers and methods for regulating a humidity in an environment using the humidifiers. An exemplary humidifier may include a water tank configured to store a supply of water and a chamber in fluid communication with the water tank. The chamber may be configured to receive the supply of water. The humidifier may also include a mist generator disposed in the chamber and configured to generate a mist of water droplets from the supply of water. The humidifier may also include a tube in fluid communication with the chamber to direct the mist of water droplets to flow from the chamber to an exterior space through an outlet of the humidifier. The humidifier may further include a mist accelerator disposed in proximity to the outlet and configured to generate a forced air flow to accelerate the mist of water droplets flowing out from the outlet.”

US20140264963 in its abstract states: “A reservoir system for an operating unit, such as a humidifier, includes a removable water tank configured to provide the operating unit with water. The removable water tank includes a primary reservoir for holding water, with an opening in the removable water tank fluidically connecting the primary reservoir with a secondary reservoir in the operating unit. A plunger is slidably disposed in the opening and movable between an open position in which the opening fluidically connects the primary reservoir to the secondary reservoir, and a closed position that seals the opening to fluidically disconnect the primary reservoir from the secondary reservoir. A float member in the secondary reservoir includes a buoyant main body and is configured to generate a force upon the plunger to urge the plunger into the open position according to the height of water in the secondary reservoir.”

EP3722688 in its abstract states: “There is disclosed an ultrasonic humidifier which can be easily disassembled and cleaned. The ultrasonic humidifier includes a tank configured to contain water to be atomized; a float unit configured to float on the water contained in the tank; an ultrasonic vibrator disposed in the float unit; and power supply means for supplying power to the ultrasonic vibrator. The power supply means includes a pair of sliding contact points disposed in the float unit and configured to be always located above the water surface of the water; and a pair of electrodes A configured to be always put in sliding contact with the pair of sliding contact points, and configured to be always located above the water surface of the water. Each of the electrodes A is disposed outside the float unit and connected to a power supply, and power from the power supply is supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator via the electrodes A and the sliding contact points.”

EP3022496 in its abstract states: “Provided is a floating type humidifier, and more particularly, a floating type humidifier capable of humidifying an indoor area by using an external water source while floating on water due to use of a floating unit of a hollow type so that the floating type humidifier discharges water droplets or vapour in a floating state. The floating type humidifier includes a floating body having a hollow and a water inlet hole in a lower portion through which water is introduced from the outside so that the floating body floats in a water container; an ultrasound vibrator inserted in the water inlet hole of the floating body to change the water introduced from the water container into water particles or vapor; a guide coupled to an upper end portion of the water inlet hole of the floating body to guide the water particles or the vapor generated by the ultrasound vibrator to the outside, and formed like a pipe having a guide hole in a side surface; and a discharge unit provided on the floating body under the guide hole so as to guide the water particles or the vapor from the guide to the guide hole and to discharge the water particles or the vapor to the outside.”

W02008/060089 in its abstract states: “The present invention relates to ultrasonic humidifier. Previous ultrasonic humidifiers have been very inconvenient to clean so that consumers could not clean them quite often. Therefore serious contamination used to occur due to the proliferation of fungi and bacteria when ultrasonic humidifiers were used for a long time. Though there were several ways to solve the problem such as injection of antibiotics and sanitization by heating water, their effects were limited in that they accrued additional cost while they failed to eliminate the cause of contamination. The main objective of the present invention is to uproot the cause of contamination without additional cost by making it easy to clean ultrasonic humidifiers. To achieve this objective, the ultrasonic humidifier of the present invention comprises a humidifying unit (200) which is formed into a single body and comprises a water tank which stores water for humidification, and a humidifying chamber which humidifies external air; and a base unit (100) which supplies electricity and external air to said humidifying unit when sufficient water is sensed for humidification, wherein said humidifying unit and base unit are separable, humidifying unit has a water- feeding hole or a water- feeding canal in the lower part of the partition which divides water tank and humidifying chamber, and said water tank has an inlet port in the bottom of it.”

Summary of the invention

A disadvantage of prior art is that a malfunctioning of elements causes casting away of a complete device.

Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative device, which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of above-described drawbacks.

There is provide a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity, comprising:

- a base unit comprising an air displacement device, an electrical power source, and a base unit air duct with an air inlet, and an air outlet, said air displacement device arranged for providing an airflow through said base unit air duct from said air inlet to said air outlet;

- an ultrasonic unit comprising a power input detachably coupled to the electrical power source of the base unit, a liquid inlet fluidly arranged for in operation exposing liquid from said liquid inlet to ultrasonic vibrations, and an air inlet fluidly coupled to said base unit air outlet and arranged for allowing said airflow to contact said liquid when exposed to said ultrasonic vibrations;

- a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid outlet fluidly coupled to said ultrasonic unit liquid inlet; wherein said water reservoir is separately removable from said air treatment device and said ultrasonic unit is separately removable from said air treatment device.

There is further provided a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity, comprising an ultrasonic unit comprising a moisture chamber comprising an end that is ultrasonically coupled to an ultrasonic device and having a moisture chamber outlet coupled to a vapour guiding duct, wherein said vapour guiding duct comprises a venturi tube comprising a funnelling inlet end extending into said moisture chamber and positioned for receiving liquid droplets from said ultrasonic device, said funnelling end narrowing into a venturi duct running through said outlet duct and having its outlet near an end of said vapour guiding duct.

The current air treatment device in an embodiment provides a modular device. In the current invention, it was split up in and comprises a liquid reservoir, a base unit, and an ultrasonic unit. These modules are functionally coupled to one another. This makes cleaning, maintenance and even replacement of parts possible without having to write off or dismiss the complete device. This broad principle is used in some mobile phones that are currently on the market, like Fairphone devices. Applying this broad principle to other devices requires redesign of a device, taking into consideration the functionality, the various functions that are preformed in a device. Analysis of points of failure, safety, and the like.

It was found that breaking up the air treatment device into the current modules offers additional advantages in adding functionality and user friendliness and serviceability.

It was found that in fact the ultrasonic unit is a part of an air treatment device that most often breaks down. Allowing simple replacement by a user/consumer avoids a need to cast away a complete device.

In the context of the current device, reference is made to the word “ultrasonic”. In its widest scope, it refers to the generally known meaning of ultrasonic, in particular for generating a liquid mist, in particular a water mist. In particular, ultrasonic for providing water moisture relates to a vibration frequency of between 500 kHz and 3 MHz. Often, the ultrasonic unit generates vibrations in the range of 1-3 MHz. Various devices vibrate at a frequency of around 2.4 MHz. In the current domestic device, the output can be 350-450 ml/h at 2.4 MHz and 600-800 ml/h for 1.7 MHz. It was found that for proper operation, a water height of between 25 and 45 mm above a source of ultrasonic vibrations is desirable for efficient moisturizing. In particular, a water height of 30-40 mm provides even more efficient moisturizing.

Removably in the current description refers to parts like the liquid reservoir and the ultrasonic unit that can be removed from the rest of the air treatment device. In this respect, removable is used in contrast to fixed. In particular, parts may be permanently fixed for instance by using glue, welding, or friction welding, for instance. In particular, parts may be removable without using tools. For instance, the liquid reservoir can be detachable. In an embodiment, subsequently the ultrasonic unit is detachable. In an embodiment, the reservoir can be positioned of placed on the further air treatment device. It may be snapped onto the further device. In an embodiment, positioning elements may be provided in order to insure proper placement. The ultrasonic unit, in an embodiment is fitted onto the further air treatment device. The ultrasonic vibrations may require a snap-fit or bayonet or other non-permanent fixing.

Reference is made to a power source. This can be a battery device that provides the required power. Such a battery device can comprise a battery. It can furthermore be provided with charging leads that can be coupled to an external charging device, or for instance provisions for wireless charging. It may comprise driving circuits for the various depending devices like the ultrasonic unit. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic unit may hold the driving circuits. Alternatively, the power source may comprise driving circuitry that provides power for the various depending devices and/or units. This circuitry can be fed by AC power or by DC power. Alternatively, in a simple embodiment, power source comprises a lead or wires entering the base unit and enabling coupling and providing electrical power to the depending devices and/or units.

Venturi in a general sense relates to a us of a constricted section (reduction of cross sectional area) that results in a fluid pressure reduction when a fluid flows through the constriction. In fact, a set-up is provided that uses the Bernoulli principle stating that an increase in fluid flow speed results in a reduction in pressure. In the current invention, when reference is made to Venturi, in an embodiment actually a tube is placed substantially concentrically in another tube. At the end of these concentric tubes, air is first forced into the concentric tubes, and at the downstream opposite end the air can flow out and expand. This can for instance be used to design a flow pattern, for instance cause a pressure decrease at the downstream end of the central tube. In an embodiment, channel between the concentric tubes in fact provide a constriction of a venturi.

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic unit is removably attached onto said base unit. The liquid reservoir has a lower end which is removably attached to said base unit and with said removable ultrasonic unit between said base unit and said liquid reservoir. In a further embodiment, the lower end of the liquid reservoir comprises an air duct coupling said base unit air outlet to said ultrasonic unit air inlet. In this respect, the water reservoir can be removed without use of a tool. Usually, it snaps into place upon placement, and can be lifted off the base unit, for instance for refilling, but also for providing access to the ultrasonic unit. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic unit is snap-fitted onto the base unit. In an embodiment, it can be removed without use of a tool. In an embodiment, the removable ultrasonic unit comprises an ultrasonic base part comprising a moisture chamber comprising said liquid inlet.

In an embodiment, the removable ultrasonic unit comprises an ultrasonic device at an end of said moisture chamber and which is ultrasonically coupled to said moisture chamber, and said moisture chamber connecting to an vapour guiding duct having an outlet at a distance from said moisture chamber.

In an embodiment, the vapour guiding duct runs through said liquid reservoir and debouches near a top end of said liquid reservoir.

In an embodiment, the moisture chamber has an open lower end sealingly coupled in a liquid tight manner to said ultrasonic device.

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device has a vibrating surface providing a closing face of said moisture chamber. Alternatively, the moisture chamber comprises a flexible wall that transfers the vibrations of the ultrasonic device. For instance, some thermoplastic materials can be provided as a this wall.

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device comprises coupling parts for coupling in a removable way to corresponding coupling parts on said ultrasonic base part.

In an embodiment, the moisture chamber has an open lower end sealingly coupled in a liquid tight manner to said ultrasonic device, wherein said ultrasonic device comprises an ultrasonic vibrator comprising coupling parts for coupling in a removable way to corresponding coupling parts on said ultrasonic device

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device has a vibrating surface providing a closing wall of said moisture chamber.

In an embodiment, the ultrasonic unit comprises said moisture chamber, wherein said moisture chamber is cup-shaped having an open end and a bottom, wherein said bottom is provided with an ultrasonic device and said open end provide said air inlet, said liquid inlet, and said moisture outlet.

In an embodiment, the base unit comprises a housing, and a receiving space separate from an interior of said housing, wherein said ultrasonic unit is formed to fit in said receiving space.

In an embodiment, the domestic air treatment device further comprises an ultrasonic unit comprising a moisture chamber comprising an end that is ultrasonically coupled to an ultrasonic device and having a moisture chamber outlet coupled to a vapour guiding duct, wherein said vapour guiding duct comprises a venturi tube comprising a funnelling inlet end extending into said moisture chamber and positioned for receiving liquid droplets from said ultrasonic device, said funnelling end narrowing into a venturi duct running through said outlet duct and having its outlet near an end of said vapour guiding duct.

In an embodiment, the moisture chamber comprises a moisture chamber air inlet, a moisture chamber air outlet coupled to said vapour guiding duct, and a liquid inlet for providing liquid to said ultrasonic device.

In an embodiment, the liquid reservoir is a water reservoir providing water to the ultrasonic unit for in operation evaporating the water for humidifying air.

In an embodiment, the liquid reservoir has a volume of between 0.5 and 10 litre, and/or the domestic air treatment device has a dimension of between 10x10x20 cm and 30x30x50 cm and/or wherein when comprising said air displacement device, the air displacement device in operation can provide an air flow from said domestic air treatment device of up to 100 m ³ per hour, in particular up to 50 m ³ per hour, more in particular of up to 20 m ³ per hour.

There is additionally provided an ultrasonic device for a domestic air treatment device described above.

There is additionally provided an ultrasonic base part for an ultrasonic device for a domestic air treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims.

There is further provided a method for replacing an ultrasonic unit of a domestic air treatment device as described, comprising lifting the liquid reservoir from the air treatment device, and subsequently lifting the ultrasonic unit from the base unit and detaching the power input from the power source of the base unit.

As explained above, the current air treatment device in an embodiment provides a modular device.

In an embodiment, the order of the modules (with the device positioned for use) are from bottom up a base unit, placed on the base unit is the ultrasonic unit, and placed on the base unit and “sandwiching” the ultrasonic unit is the liquid reservoir. In this way, the liquid can be supplied to the ultrasonic unit under the influence of gravity. This makes for a simple construction.

The terms “upstream” and “downstream” relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the flow of air through the device, wherein relative to an air inlet and air outlet, a second position closer to the air inlet is “upstream”, and a third position between the air outlet and the second position is relatively “downstream” with respect to the second position.

The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” as well as “functionally” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in “functionally parallel”, a skilled person will understand that the adjective “functionally” includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective “functionally” was not present. The term “functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word “functionally” as for instance used in “functionally parallel” is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word “substantially” explained above. For instance, “functionally parallel” relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and may comprise a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Figures 1 and 2 show an exploded view of an exemplary humidifier seen from below (figure 1) and from above (figure 2);

Figures 3 A-3D shows a perspective view of four optional replacement options;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the lower side of a water reservoir;

Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the humidifier of figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 shows a venturi added to the humidifier of figures 1-5; Figure 7 shows the humidifier with a venture in cross section view;

Figures 8A and 8B show an exploded view of an alternative embodiment;

Figure 9 shows a cross section of the embodiment of figures 8A and 8B, and

Figure 10 sows yet another embodiment.

The drawings are not necessarily on scale

Description of preferred embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show an exploded view of a humidifier 1 as an embodiment of a domestic air treatment device for adapting air humidity, seen from below and above. In this embodiment, the humidifier has a block shape with rounded corners. The humidifier can also be cylindrical, in particular circle cylindrical. This is a matter of industrial design. This matter may also have a technical effect.

The main parts of the humidifier 1 are from top to bottom: a diffuser cover 2, a reservoir cover 3, a liquid reservoir 4, an ultrasonic unit 5, a base unit 6 covered with a base bottom 7, and in this embodiment a stand 8.

The base unit 6 houses in the current embodiment the control electronics, power supply and an actuator for providing air displacement, also referred to as an air displacement device. In figures 1-8, the power supply and air displacement device are not depicted. In many embodiments, such an air displacement device will be or comprise a ventilator with an electromotor. It may comprise a fan actuated by an electromotor. This and other implementations of an air displacement device are known in the art as such. The base unit 6 has a base unit air inlet 31 and a base unit air duct 30 coupling the base unit air inlet 31 via the air displacement device to a base unit air outlet.

The ultrasonic unit 5 in the current embodiment is placed on the base unit 6, and provisions like rims and cams and notches can be provided that ensure proper placement of the ultrasonic unit 5 on the base unit 6. As explained in more detail below, the ultrasonic unit 5 is provided on the base unit 6 in such a way that it can be detached from the base unit 6 easily by a consumer, in a particular embodiment even without use of tools. It the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the base unit 6 is open and the ultrasonic unit 5 provides a closure for it. In particular, the ultrasonic base part 11 provides a lid that can for instance be placed or snapped onto the opening of the base unit 6.

The liquid reservoir 4 has a lower end which in the current embodiment comprises coupling provisions for coupling the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 to the base unit 6. In particular, in an embodiment the coupling provisions provide a pulling force in such a way that the liquid reservoir is pulled towards the base unit 6, pushing the liquid reservoir 4 against the ultrasonic unit 5. This sealingly presses the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 against the ultrasonic unit 5. In another embodiment, the liquid reservoir 4 substantially stands freely on the base unit 6, allowing it to be lifted off easily for instance for filling. The liquid reservoir 4 and the base unit 6 in such an embodiment comprises engagement parts for engaging one another for keeping the liquid reservoir 4 stacked onto the base unit 6. It prevents the liquid reservoir 4 from sliding off the based unit 6. In an embodiment, one of the liquid reservoir 4 and the base unit 6 comprises cams and the other unit comprises matching notches. Alternatively, one of the reservoir 4 and base units 6 comprises a collar or flange fitting a groove or step on the other of the base unit 6 and reservoir 4. The engagement parts is provided for keeping the liquid reservoir 4 and the base unit 6 positioned on one another, here the reservoir 4 on top of the base unit 6. In the depicted embodiment of figures 1-5, the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 has struts 12 fitting into holes in the base unit 6. In addition, the lower end of the reservoir 4 has a circumferential edge and the base unit 6 and a matching circumferential edge, and the ultrasonic base part 11 of ultrasonic unit 5 and a collar fitting about the base unit edge and providing an outer edge fitting the reservoir circumferential edge. The cross section of figure 5 illustrates this.

The liquid reservoir 4 comprises a container space for holding a liquid, and at its lower end has a liquid reservoir liquid outlet 15. In its coupled position with its lower end on the base unit 6, the liquid reservoir outlet 15 fluidly couples to a liquid inlet of the ultrasonic unit 5. For enabling removal, filling and replacing of the reservoir 4, the liquid reservoir liquid outlet 15 can be provided with a stop of a valve. In an embodiment, a float valve is provided. In an embodiment, the float valve 40 (figures 8A, 8B, 9) has a valve part for sealing the liquid outlet 15 and a float body. When the reservoir 4 is detached, the valve part closes the liquid outlet 15. The float body is coupled to the valve part and regulates the amount of liquid in/at the ultrasonic unit 5.

The liquid reservoir 4 in the current embodiment further comprises a vapour guiding duct 16 incorporated into the liquid reservoir 4. In the current embodiment the vapour guiding duct 16 runs from the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 all the way to the (in use upper) opposite end of the liquid reservoir 4. In this embodiment, the vapour guiding duct 16 is a separate pipe, as will be explained further below. In an alternative embodiment, outer walls of the liquid reservoir 4 may provide part of the vapour guiding duct 16. Usually, most parts of the housing and the parts like the diffuser cover 2, reservoir cover 3, liquid reservoir 4, parts of the ultrasonic unit 5, a housing of the base unit 6, the base bottom 7 and stand 8 may be injection moulded. These parts may be from plastic, like a thermoplastic material such as ABS, PE, PP, polyester, or other known polymers used in the art.

As mentioned above, the humidifier 1 in an embodiment is for domestic use. In such an application, the liquid reservoir can have has a volume of between 0.5 and 10 litre. In an embodiment, the domestic air treatment device has a dimension (length x width x height) of between 10x10x20 cm and 30x30x50 cm. Another way of defining the device as humidifier in particular for domestic use and when comprising the air displacement device, the air displacement device in operation can provide an air flow of below 100 m ³ per hour. In particular the air flow in use is below 50 m ³ per hour. Specifically, the air flow is below 20 m ³ per hour. In the application as a humidifier, the liquid is water which is turned into mist by the ultrasonic unit 5 and which mist is subsequently token through the vapour guiding duct 16 and out of the air treatment device 1.

In figure 3A-3D, some embodiments of the ultrasonic unit 5 are illustrated. It illustrates different options for replaceability and repair. The embodiments shown are shaped for fitting into/onto the base unit 6 illustrated above. In an embodiment of that base unit 6, it comprises an upper sealing part that liquid-tightly seals the interior of the base unit 6. Such a sealing part would comprise an air outlet coupled with an air duct in the base unit 6. In an embodiment, the outer shape of the upper sealing part or base unit sealing cover is shaped to receive the ultrasonic unit 5. In an embodiment, it is shaped to receive the ultrasonic unit base part 11 of the ultrasonic unit 5 fittingly or form-fittingly, holding the ultrasonic unit 5 in place on the base unit 6. In this way, the wall thickness of the ultrasonic unit base part II might be reduced, making in more advantageous to be replaceable. Alternatively, the ultrasonic base part 11 may be from flexible or even rubber or silicon material, allowing easy cleaning.

The ultrasonic unit 5 illustrated in an embodiment in figures 3A-3D has an ultrasonic base part 11. The ultrasonic base part 11 is shaped to fit onto the base unit 6. Furthermore, it is shaped in this embodiment to fit sealingly (in a sealing manner) onto the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4. In particular (not illustrated), it may comprises a liquid inlet liquid tightly fitting the liquid outlet of the lower end of the liquid reservoir. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic base part 11 has an air outlet 22 extending into an air duct 14 formed into the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4. It may even fit liquid tightly, in particular even air tightly, sealingly onto an air inlet end of the air duct 14 of the liquid reservoir 4.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic base part 11 has an air inlet that sealingly fits onto an air outlet of the base unit 6. In another or combined embodiment, the ultrasonic base part air inlet is coupled via an air duct 14 formed at least partly into the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4.

In the embodiment of figure 3A, the complete ultrasonic unit 5 comprises the ultrasonic base plate 11, an ultrasonic device 9 attached to it, and an ultrasonic vibrator 11 coupled to and part of the ultrasonic device 9 and attached to the ultrasonic base plate 11. The parts may be attached to the ultrasonic base plate 11 via screws, glued, or even be co moulded. Thus in this embodiment, the complete ultrasonic unit 5 would be replaced by a consumer in case of damage or malfunctioning. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 and the base unit 6 comprise a mutually complementary plug and socket, allowing a power coupling between the ultrasonic unit 5 and the base unit 6. In an embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 comprises a lead with a plug and the base unit 6 comprises a socket for the plug.

In figure 3B, the ultrasonic device 9 is removably attachable to the ultrasonic base part 11. The ultrasonic device 9 is attached for instance via a bayonet fitting, a form fitting, or via a snap fitting. This allows a consumer to easily remove the ultrasonic device 9 from the ultrasonic base part 11 without using additional tools. In this embodiment, a vibrator 10 is attached to and part of the ultrasonic device 9. It may be attached via a series of screws, be co-moulded, glued onto the rest of the ultrasonic device 9. In an embodiment, the moisture chamber 13 comprises a moisture chamber ultrasonic unit coupling part 20 and the ultrasonic device 9 comprises an ultrasonic unit coupling part 21, cooperating with ultrasonic unit coupling part 20, here part of the moisture chamber 13. It allows a consumer to easily clean the ultrasonic unit 5, and to replace the ultrasonic device 9 when it is damaged or broken. Figure 3D show the embodiment of figure 3B from the other side. In the depicted embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 has a collar 20 which fits into the collar 21 of the ultrasonic base part 11. In an embodiment the bottom of the moisture chamber 13 can be co-formed with the moisture chamber base part 11. In such an embodiment, the complete ultrasonic device can be placed into the moisture chamber. Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 9 is ultrasonically coupled to the bottom of the moisture chamber 13. In operation, this makes the bottom vibrate ultrasonically. In figure 3C, another embodiment of the ultrasonic unit 5 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic base part 11 and the ultrasonic device 9 excluding the ultrasonic vibrator 10 are integrated in one part. The ultrasonic device 9 in this embodiment can be glued or welded onto the ultrasonic base part 11. Alternatively, the ultrasonic device 9 can be co-moulded into/onto the ultrasonic base part 11. In yet another alternative, it can for instance be attached via screws. This might in theory allow replacement, though using tools, and requiring good sealing after replacement.

The vibrator 10 in this embodiment is replaceable by a consumer. In an embodiment, it is replaceable without the use of tools. This may for instance comprise attachment via a bayonet, a snap-fit, or a form-fit coupling. Furthermore, it may comprise a power lead with a plug to fit a socket on the further ultrasonic device 9.

The ultrasonic unit 5 comprises a moisture chamber 13. The moisture chamber 13 comprises a liquid inlet 17, an air inlet 19, and a lower wall coupling ultrasonically to an ultrasonic device 9. In the embodiment depicted in figures 3A-3D, the moisture chamber is formed into the ultrasonic base part 11. In that embodiment, it can have a lower end that is open, as illustrated. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic device 9 and/or the vibrator 10 provides an ultrasonically vibrating wall 25.

Figure 4 shows the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4 in some more detail, and figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the embodiment earlier discussed. In this embodiment, the humidifier 1 comprises a vapour guiding duct 16 running through the liquid reservoir 4. The vapour guiding duct 16 comprises an inlet end 35 arranged to receive moisture droplets/vapour from the moisture chamber 13. The vapour guiding duct 16 here is a straight tube part or piece or end. The inlet end 35 is here arranged at or near the lower end of the liquid reservoir 4. The vapour guiding duct 16 comprises an outlet end 36 at or near the opposite end of the liquid reservoir 4. In this embodiment, the outlet end 36 of the vapour guiding duct 16 connects to an outlet piece of the reservoir cover 3. The liquid reservoir cover 3 further comprises a cover 2, which in this embodiment leaves a circumferential gutter.

In figures 6 and 7, a further embodiment of a humidifier is disclosed providing an extension part that can for instance be added to the embodiment already discussed. This would/might only require an amended cover 2. This embodiment comprises a venturi tube 36 that can be inserted into the vapour guiding duct 16. The venturi tube 26 comprises a funneling inlet end 27, funneling into a venturi duct 28. The funneling inlet end 27 ends into a venturi inlet. Clearly, the cross sectional area of the venturi inlet is larger that a cross sectional area of the venturi duct 28. The ratio venturi inlet cross sectional area over the venturi duct cross sectional area can be between 1.5-5. In most embodiments it will be between 2 and 4.

The venturi inlet will be positioned in proximity of the ultrasonic vibrator or of the moisture chamber wall ultrasonically coupled to the vibrator. In most applications, it will be between 1 mm up to 1cm from the ultrasonic vibration.

The venturi tube 26 in an embodiment is coaxial with the vapour guiding duct 16. This will provide an air channel between the venturi duct 28 and the vapour guiding duct 16. The relatively fast flowing air in that resulting air channel will cause a lowering of pressure at the end 29 of the venturi duct 28, causing the liquid-droplets to accelerate in the venturi duct 28. This will cause a stronger flow of moisturized air. In order to position the venturi duct 28 in the vapour guiding duct 16, centering ends 32 are provided on the venturi ducts’ outside for engaging the inner surface of the vapour guiding duct 16, or resting upon corresponding engagement members in the inner surface of the vapour guiding duct 16. The venturi tube 26 may be removable in this way. In this embodiment, the cover 2 has an opening 34 or hole for filling around the vapour guiding duct. 16 The liquid reservoir cover 3 in this embodiment is also modified for passing and extending the vapour guiding duct. In this embodiment, in fact the channel between the venturi tube and the vapour guiding duct 16 provide the constriction of the venturi. Through this venturi, a channel is provided for the moisture or vapour.

Figures 8A and 8B and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the humidifier 1. It has also design aspects that may be susceptible for design protection. In this design with a round or elliptic cross section, the vapour guiding duct 16 is positioned centrally through the liquid reservoir 4. The removable venturi tube 26 discussed with reference to figures 6 and 7 in included in this design. It is replaceable and can be installed by a user at will.

This embodiment also shows a mechanical floater part or floater valve 40 that fits inside the moisture chamber 13 and which functions as a closure part for closing off the liquid outlet 15 of the liquid reservoir 4. It can also steer the amount of liquid exiting the liquid reservoir 4 and entering the moisture chamber 13.

In the embodiment of figures 8A, 8B and 9, the base unit 6 comprises a lid 42 for sealing the base unit 6. In this embodiment, the lid 42 has a receiving space which in this embodiment has a bottom which rests against the bottom of the base unit 6. In this way, in fact the complete doughnut shaped space (or part) of the base unit 6 is the base unit air duct 30.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 5, in particular the ultrasonic unit base part 11, does not comprise and provide an air duct.

In this embodiment, the base unit lid 42 comprises a receiving space for the ultrasonic unit 5. The ultrasonic unit base part 11 in this embodiment de facto is the moisture space 13 formed as a cup having a bottom comprising the ultrasonic device 9. The ultrasonic unit base part 11 has a rim about its cup edge that fits a collar around the receiving space of the base unit lid 42. In the depicted embodiment, the ultrasonic unit base part 11 can be formed from a sheet of material in a deep-draw or vacuum forming process. This makes the part easy to produce as a replacement part.

The reservoir outlet 15 is closed by a float valve 40 that closes the outlet 15 when the reservoir 4 is removed from the device 1, in fact from the base unit 6. The float body of the float valve 40 fits in the moisture chamber 13. In the embodiment illustrated, it comprises an opening providing a passage for vapour from the ultrasonic device 9. It can be designed such that it controls the amount of liquid in the moisture chamber 13. In an embodiment, the float valve 40 is the following. The outlet 15 comprises a valve which is in a closed position when the reservoir 4 is removed from the air treatment device. The float valve 40 further comprises a float body positioned in the moisture chamber 13. The float body or floater comprises an activation end that opens the valve when no liquid is available in the moisture chamber 13. When the float body starts floating in liquid in the moisture chamber, it will increase closure of the valve, until a desired liquid level in the moisture chamber 13 is attained. Usually, 25-35 mm of water is maintained in the moisture chamber 13 over the ultrasonic device 9.

In figure 10, yet another embodiment of the humidifier is illustrated in cross section. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic unit 5 includes the ultrasonic base part 11 and ultrasonic vibrator 10. The ultrasonic base part 10 is now a relatively simple cup that provides a moisture chamber 13. In the moisture chamber 13, an operational water level W is indicated. Again, the liquid reservoir bottom 45 closes off part of the moisture chamber 13. The reservoir air duct 14 is a bulging of the water reservoir bottom 45. The base unit air outlet 43 is fluidly coupled to the moisture chamber air inlet 19. The vapour guiding duct 19 runs through the reservoir 4. In fact, in this embodiment and the embodiment of figure 9, a duct is co-moulded with the liquid reservoir 4. The ultrasonic device 9 comprises a water sensor for detecting if the water level W in the moisture chamber 13 is below a minimum level.

In the current application, reference is made to an air treatment device comprising an ultrasonic unit. In particular, a liquid is converted into droplets in an airflow. This effect can also be accomplished using in general a nebulizer, which converts a liquid in a fine mist. To that end, nozzles can for instance be used. An ultrasonic unit 5 provides a simple and efficient way of providing a mist.

It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent.

Reference numbers

1 humidifier

2 cover

3 reservoir cover

4 liquid reservoir

5 ultrasonic unit

6 base unit

7 base plate

8 stand

9 ultrasonic device

10 ultrasonic vibrator

11 ultrasonic base part

12 reservoir coupling ends

13 moisture chamber

14 reservoir air duct

15 reservoir liquid outlet

16 vapour guiding duct

17 moisture chamber liquid inlet

18 moisture chamber vapour outlet

19 moisture chamber air inlet

20 moisture chamber ultrasonic unit coupling part

21 ultrasonic unit coupling part, cooperating with part

22 ultrasonic unit air duct

23 ultrasonic unit air duct outlet

24 ultrasonic unit air duct inlet

25 ultrasonic surface

26 venturi tube

27 venturi funneling inlet

28 venturi duct

29 venturi outlet

30 base unit air duct

31 base unit air inlet

32 venturi vapour guiding duct engagement end 33 liquid reservoir filling opening

34 cover vapour duct opening

35 vapour guiding duct inlet

36 vapour guiding duct outlet 40 float valve

41 air displacement device

42 base unit lid

43 base unit air outlet

44 water sensor 45 water reservoir bottom

W water level